The correspondence between Ilya Repin and Kornei Chukovsky spanned almost a quarter of a century.

The period between 1906 and 1929 saw huge changes and shifts in society as well as the arts — changes, which affected each and every person living in Russia. At this time of upheaval, the painter and the writer were not silent onlookers: actively involved in the events, they described them passionately and vividly in their letters. This book not only brings us many fascinating facts — the style, vigour and culture of Repin and Chukovsky’s correspondence are truly captivating. The authors of these letters possessed the need, and the talent, not merely to describe events, but to expound on their views of current affairs, confiding to each other their hopes and sharing their concerns. We venture into the rich, creative worlds of two exceptionally gifted people: a great artist, and a talented critic, writer and literary expert. Certain of Repin’s letters to Chukovsky, albeit heavily censored, have been published previously. Chukovsky’s seventy six letters to the artist, however, were found after their author’s death — most of these are published for the first time. With a new commentary, this fascinating correspondence has now been collected afresh.